Crimson Tide's O-Line: How Experienced Are They?

You can say what you will about the Alabama offensive line’s inconsistency, but you can't deny is that this is by far the most experienced group that will take the field this fall.

Here's a closer look at the players:

Senior: Antoine Caldwell

One of the most experienced and flexible offensive linemen in the nation.

Standing at 6'3" 292 lbs., he has great footwork, agility, blocking skills, and his work ethic is tough to match.

The Montgomery, Ala. native played and started in 32 consecutive games at Center, Guard and Tackle before missing four games due to suspension.

Humbly, Antoine has learned to deal with much adversity and he is eager to prove that he deserves the many accolades that he has received:

·         Freshman All-American;

·         Coaches All-SEC-Second Team;

·         Permanent Team Co-Captain;

·         Co-recipient of the 2008 Mal Moore Leadership Award.

Coach Saban is thrilled to have Antoine come back to play in his senior year, even though he has already finished his degree.

This is a testament of his leadership, commitment, drive and determination, which will pay huge dividends for the younger guys.

With his character and experience, he should definitely hear his name called in next year’s draft.

 
Senior: Marlon Davis

Flown under the radar for most of his career at the Capstone. That’s until Coach Saban arrived and saw his potential in its full extent.

To be fair and honest, the previous coaching staff expected that of him, because he was a pancake monster in high school. However, he couldn’t permanently push his way into a starting role until late in the ‘06 season.

This past season, Marlon’s agility and skill set garnered him a spot in the lineup at Right Guard where he played nine games and started eight.

He, like Antoine, missed four games due to suspension, but returned for the final two games. 

His on-field performances haven’t received the hype as some of the others, but the team recently awarded his efforts in the spring game as co-recipient of the 2008 Sylvester Croom Commitment to Excellence Award.

Marlon is not the most out-spoken player on the team, but he is definitely one of the hardest working ones.

Junior: Andre Smith

He is Big Dre’ to some and Smitty to others.

Whatever you choose to call him, make sure you are not in his way when he has a full head of steam.

Andre is one of, if not, the most impressive left tackle(s) in the nation.

In addition to his 6'5" 340-lb. frame, he has unbelievable agility and strength to go along with his incredible skill set.

Smith was the top offensive lineman out of high school and to this point, has lived up to the hype.

He has started every single game from the first day, and his contributions are countless.

What’s scary is that he still has upside and can get even better. Coach Saban even questioned him on knowing how good he could really be.

National and team recognition is definitely not a concern for Mr. Smith as he was awarded numerous honors:

·         Freshman All-American;

·         Coaches All-SEC-First Team;

·         Alabama Up-Front/Offensive Player of the Year;

·         Co-recipient of SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy;

·          Co-recipient of the 2008 Paul Crane Offensive Lineman Award.

Expect even better things from Andre as the speculation ensues on whether or not he will take the leap of faith into the NFL or remain at the UA to graduate.

Whatever he decides, he has been an inspiration to young men all over the nation, especially the ones that follow him.

Junior: Mike Johnson

Mike who?

This was the question rendered when Coach Saban released last year’s projected starting lineup.

The name Mike Johnson was presented to some and introduced to others.

The Pensacola, Fla. native made tremendous strides and temporarily answered many questions at right tackle.

Previously, that position was a mystery every since you know who graced the ‘Bama Nation.

Despite pessimistic views of what was next, Mike won over the coaching staff to play and start in all 13 games this past season. Three of those games came at the right guard position as a result of injuries and suspensions.

He played solidly for the most part, but another year in the fourth quarter program should do him wonders.

Johnson had an excellent spring where he experimented with, yet again, another position-this time at left guard to replace the outgoing senior, Justin Britt.

This move opened up conversations yet again on who would play at right tackle.

As of now that is a work in “process.”

Nevertheless, Mike’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.

He was a recipient of the University of Alabama Unsung Hero Award, as well as co-recipient of the 2008 Paul Crane Offensive Lineman Award.

Mike has emerged as a team player that wants to positively contribute wherever the coaches see fit. His willingness to work, ability to be coached, and burning desire to succeed will go along way in just his Junior campaign.

Junior: Evan Cardwell

Evan is an agile, strong and aggressive offensive lineman who has seen most of his time at center and some at guard.

He played in 11 games last season earning starts in seven of them.

He has done an excellent job with the opportunities he’s had.

The coaching staff seems to have a tremendous amount of confidence in his abilities to come in and make an immediate impact-game in and game out.

In addition, to his on-field performances, he has done exceptionally well off the field. He earned the Academic Excellence Award in 2007. 

Whether Evan is in the weight room, the film room, the class room or media room, he represents ‘Bama well and gives his best effort every single time.

Junior: Drew Davis

At first glance, Drew appears to be last year’s Mike Johnson, but without the game experience.

He’s another guy who has been waiting patiently for his opportunity. He was mainly a backup for the more experienced guys, but hasn’t seen the field much until this past spring.

He’s only played in two games in two seasons.

His emergence couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, because the right tackle position is still in question.

After the move by Mike Johnson to left guard, the coaching staff encouraged Drew to work out there.

To everyone’s delight, he showed that he had what it took to, at least, compete.

His size is one of his best attributes and he is extremely strong.

To his credit, he was rewarded as a co-recipient of the 2008 Bart Starr Most Improved Player Award. 

Hopefully, he will continue to improve and earn a spot in the starting lineup by the fall.

Sophomore: David Ross

The 6' 4" 297 lb. Homewood native is listed as a back up left guard, but he was the No. 2 Center out of high school in the nation.

Most of his time on the field came with the special teams units, including Field Goals and PATs.

The time is now for David to play a larger role on the Offensive Line.

Sophomore: Taylor Pharr

Taylor was one of the best stories of the spring.

He and Drew Davis literally battled for the right tackle position— and it’s not over yet.

At 6'6" 281 lbs, his size is as impressive as his upside.

He was ranked as the No. 2 OL in Alabama and No. 11 in the nation when he was recruited and signed.

He only played in five games last season after his red-shirt year, but he will see the field as a solid backup, at least.

Sophomore: William Vlachos

Freshman: Patrick Crump

Senior: Charles Hoke

Played tight end for Coach Saban last season.

Following numerous injuries, he switched to the OL.

As of now he reportedly will not return to play football for the Crimson Tide.

Junior: Scott Deaton

Junior: Juan Gardier

Walk-on.

Sophomore: Brian Motley

Played a few games on the DL last season, but he made a position change to the OL due to injury.

As of now, Motley is not expected to quit his football career.

Review:

Antoine Caldwell is by far the most experienced we have relative to the number of games he has played at the position.

The next player with the most experience is Marlon Davis.

Then, Andre Smith, followed by Mike Johnson and Evan Cardwell.

That leaves us with Drew Davis, David Ross, Taylor Pharr, William Vlachos, and Patrick Crump as the guys with the least game time experience.

The offensive line definitely has the experience to make a huge difference in the trenches.

Even though they have been inconsistent at times, they should dominate the line of scrimmage.

I believe that the true freshmen, Tyler Love, Barrett Jones and John Michael Boswell, will have a tough time starting immediately, unless they absolutely “wow” the coaching staff.

At this point, that appears to be highly unlikely, unless you are talking about the mysterious position at right tackle!